Australian Antarctic Division: Leading Australia’s Antarctic Program

This week at Casey: 21 July 2017

The Casey team start to think about summer, what they will do when they get back home and what will they eat. We get to know Mat the station supply officer and James shares some of his photos.

2017-07-21

Summer is coming

Looking at the calendar I realise that midwinters was a month ago, even our postponed swim happened eventually and just as quick as people could get in and out of the icy water it is over. Although the sun never left us at Casey it is coming back faster than I anticipated. The days are getting longer and I think brighter, that may be due to Ash having the day off. It won’t be long until I can walk back to the Red Shed in the evening and it will still be daylight. Brendan even got off station and all the way to Wilkes Hilton (not overnight, just a day trip!). The Wilkins crew are getting itchy feet and looking forward to getting back up on the plateau, moving and thawing buildings. Then putting in the many hours of work that are needed to get the runway ready.

Summer is coming.

All of those ‘I’ll do it during winter’ jobs are getting done. Some among us are getting serious about return to Australia plans. Holiday destinations are getting compared, questions like where can I go and not get too sunburnt are being considered. Concert tickets are being booked, accommodation is being sought in convenient locations. Many a car and motor bike website are being scoured to find the perfect next vehicle, tough decisions are being made and a few dealers getting excited phone calls.

Summer is coming.

The talk in the wallow turns to the subject of the first McDonalds or KFC meal that will be consumed. The venue for the first and possibly second drink back in Australia is a hot topic.

Summer is coming.

There are still a few months until the first flight but…

Summer is coming!

Clint Chilcott SCTO

View to station over the sea ice which has broken out after…(Photo: Brendan Hopkins)

Sunday sunrise.(Photo: Jacque Comery)

Casey station plaque in the pink morning light.(Photo: Jacque Comery)

5 minutes with the Casey 70th ANARE crew: Mat Callaghan

Name: Mathew Callaghan

Nicknames: None appropriate for media

From: Newcastle NSW

Previous seasons? One previous winter/summer at Casey

Job title: Station Supply Officer

Describe your role in two sentences: Morale officer

What did you do before your joined the AAD: Two years mining, 11 years Australian Army.

What is your favourite part of your job here at Casey?

Running a warehouse solo, and having the responsibility of making sure everything runs smoothly until the start up for the summer period. Getting out and about, knocking new canes in on the GPS line. Also working day in and day out with a bunch of legends.

If you were not a Station Supply Officer what would be your dream job?

Conservation Enforcement Officer, Africa.

How does this season at Casey compare to your previous seasons down south?

In the interest of mediation, this season is neither better nor worse than last season.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Research everything related to Subaru’s, Plan the construction of a dream car I will never build or own, watching every film known to man, working out different methods of arranging cheese platters, play pool terribly and going to the gym.

What song sums up your Casey experience so far?

I constantly play Benny Hill music in my head.

What actor would play you in a film version of our 70th ANARE season here at Casey?

I would like to play one of our plumbers, Paul Watson, as I get to wear Hawaiian shirts on a daily basis.

What is your favourite hut for field trips and why?

Wilkes station, hands down as it has a fireplace.

Favourite piece of Australian Antarctic Division kit?

Boot spikes have saved me on multiple occasions.

What is your favourite book / movie (or both) and why?

I like to spend my spare time reading the latest Dangerous Goods regulations. Just kidding.

What is your typical 'Slushy FM' genre? Do you have a particular favourite?

I like to start the day with Zac Brown Band and finish strong with Gay Bar by Electric Six.

Another Sunday on the couch.(Photo: Mat Callaghan)

Weddell seal(Photo: Mat Callaghan)

Fly day(Photo: Glenn White)

Moving cargo(Photo: Jordan Smith)

Matty digging out gas pallets.(Photo: Mat Callaghan)

Sea ice drilling.(Photo: Jacque Comery)

My Casey in pictures: James Cairns

This week Wilkins plant operator James 'Jimbo' Cairns shares with us some highlights from his season at Casey so far.

Skinny Brad snow clearing at Wilkins.(Photo: James Cairns)

Smile for the camera.(Photo: James Cairns)

Talking in some fresh air.(Photo: James Cairns)

Adélie penguin taking the plunge.(Photo: James Cairns)

First Antarctic building that you see when you step of the plane.(Photo: James Cairns)